Atonement in the Theology of Athanasius, Macquarrie, and the Agikuyu Christians' fear of Kirumi

Abstract

Christianity has been in Kenya now for over a century and a half. Among the first to receive the gospel were members of Agĩkũyũ community. However, there is a challenge when it comes to the lived out faith due to anxiety caused by persistent fear of the curse (kĩrumi). This may be attributed to the way the Christian message has been understood among Agĩkũyũ Christians. Therefore this study sought to address these questions; does it mean the Agĩkũyũ converts do not believe or understand the work of Christ’s atonement? Can the establishment and proper understanding of the efficacy of Christ’s work of atonement address the existing fear of kĩrumi? This dissertation holds that, when Athanasius and John Macquarie’s theories of atonement are cumulatively considered, and the transcendental, existential perspectives which combine objective and subjective approaches are applied, a clear understanding of the efficacy of Christ’s work among Agĩkũyũ Christians are achieved.